Schützenfest Düsseldorf-Hassels (St. Antonius)

Schützenfest in the Düsseldorf district of Hassels

The Schützenfest of the St. Antonius Schützenbruderschaft Düsseldorf-Hassels is one of the fixed spring dates in southern Düsseldorf. Hassels — a district in the south of the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, nestled between Reisholz and Garath — has combined the Schützenfest with an attached Maikirmes for decades, turning the club festival into an open folk festival with a neighbourhood character.

Programme Structure

The classic Schützenfest programme runs over five days from May 15th to 19th, 2026:

• King's Shooting / King Bird Shooting — the central discipline where the new king or queen is determined
• Schützenumzug (parade) — a ceremonial parade of the fraternity with marching bands through Hassels
• Crowning Ball and social evenings
• Maikirmes with amusement rides, food stalls, and game booths running parallel to the Schützenfest

100th Anniversary 2027

The St. Antonius Schützenbruderschaft is preparing for the start of its 100th anniversary year with a big New Year's Eve party at the end of 2026. The anniversary Schützenfest itself is scheduled for May 21st–25th, 2027 — the 2026 Schützenfest thus has the character of a 'dress rehearsal' for the centennial celebrations.

Tradition and Customs in the Rhineland

Schützenfeste have shaped Rhineland customs for centuries. In southern Düsseldorf, the Hasselser Schützenfest, along with the festivals in Reisholz, Garath, Benrath, and Itter, is among the most traditional district festivals. The fraternities maintain their own uniforms, flags, songs, and parade traditions — a living cultural heritage that would not be conceivable without club life.